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 The Italian composer Sergio Rendine was unknown to us until today. This record allows us to discover his two symphonies, written in 2006 and 2007, with a tonal approach and an ease of access which are admittedly quite exciting. Rendine’s music is fresh and lively. Despite some dissonances, however, it conceals no true modernism, no very contemporary orchestration effects – one would date it, off the cuff, to around 1890-1900. His tonalism, without ambiguity although the harmonies take occasionally a more sombre turn, sets it in the category of “accessible contemporary music” alongside Rautavaara or Arvo Pärt. Nevertheless, Rendine’s style stands clearly apart from these two composers, with their rather “mystical” accents, by virtue of its dynamism, spirit and dazzling youthful ardour, which translate into an evident sense of rhythm and discourse and a colourful brassy orchestration which recalls the hefty post-Romantic style of such composers as Korngold or Hindemith. Melodism is quite present, particularly in the superb Symphony No. 2, with its very folkloric and festive tone. Symphony No. 1 is the most modern of the two and the most dissonant, especially in its first movement, although at no point does the music become cacophonic and neither does its listening become difficult. There are rustlings of strings and an overall fluidity which are somewhat evocative of Ravel. The second movement asserts itself in a more sentimental vein, which is taken up by a demonstrative but quite moving final section. All in all, Symphony No. 2, subtitled “Andorrana” (Andorran), seems to us more solid, more convincing and more joyous, with its popular airs and its highly contagious general spirit. Its second movement, which is slow and very lyrical, struck us as being particularly inspired. The only limit of this aesthetic, its tone looks resolutely to the past and is hardly surprising, particularly since the epic triumphalism exploited by the composer is also that of Hollywood. This record is addressed less to true lovers of demandingly disquieting contemporary music than to persons who prefer a more accessible and seductive aesthetic.
The ONCA of the Principality of Andorra shows itself to be very convincing. It has clearly done an excellent job in achieving this brilliant but balanced sonority, with beautiful strings and above all a superb brass, neither heavy nor acrid but perfectly persuasive. Marzio Conti, who encouraged the composition of these two symphonies, conducts them with energy and delight. Indeed, the pleasure of playing music becomes contagious, particularly in Symphony No. 2, which is dedicated to Andorra, likewise the orchestra’s home.
11th November 2008 - (Benoît Donnet) |
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